Abstract: There is disclosed a separation vessel which is defined by a cylindrical wall (2) and a base (38), there being a solids collection region (12) centrally disposed of the base (38), an outlet (8) disposed in an upper region of the vessel, and a flow modifying member (14) positioned adjacent the base (38), the arrangement of the vessel being such that liquid carrying particulate material may flow upwardly to the top of the vessel toward the outlet (8) in a substantially axial direction. Also disclosed is a method of separating components of a liquid mixture from each other and a method of classifying a particulate material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a low energy separator of the type comprising a vessel (1) in which rotational movement of liquid in the vessel is sufficient to cause or enhance an inward sweeping effect towards an annular opening in the base (3) of the vessel on solids accumulated at the base of the vessel (1) while being of sufficiently low energy that separation of the solids components in the liquid in the vessel (1) is brought about primarily by gravity. In order to reduce turbulence caused by the outlet (7) in the upper region of the vessel (1), a flow modifying means (14) is provided which guides liquid circulating in the vessel (1) at an upper region thereof to a level at or below the lower level of the outlet (7).

Abstract: There is disclosed a separator of the low energy type comprising a cylindrical vessel (1) in which rotational movement of liquid and suspended solids within the vessel (1) is sufficient to cause and enhance an inward sweeping effect towards an annular opening in the base (3) on solids accumulated at the base (3) of the vessel (1), while being of sufficiently low energy that separation of the solid components of the liquid in the vessel (1) is brought about primarily by gravity. In order to trap floatables material, a floatables trap (19) is provided inward of an annular dip plate (9) in the vessel (1).

Abstract: A method for separating a first, relatively dense and hard component of a liquid mixture from a second, less dense and relatively soft component of the mixture. The method comprises introducing the liquid mixture into a settlement vessel (3); abstracting the settled solids from the settlement vessel (3) and passing the abstracted, settled solids through a shearing means (22); and returning the abstracted, sheared solids to the settlement vessel (3) thereby to permit the relatively hard component of the liquid mixture to settle and separate from the relatively soft component. An apparatus for separating a first, relatively dense and hard component of a liquid mixture from a second, less dense and relatively soft component of the mixture.